Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Restoration Corner => Topic started by: curtmacd on October 13, 2014, 08:07:57 PM

Title: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 13, 2014, 08:07:57 PM
Hi folks, I'm new to the forum. I wanted to share that I just bought a very nice rust free 61 series. Found this car in a warehouse and has been inside for years. Can't wait to get started on it. It is 100% complete and never wrecked or abused. Engine turns over, but the fuel tank is out of the car. Figuring this was the stopping point for the last owner. After a quick look, it appears that  the tank has a pin hole in it. I'm looking into repair vs replacement.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: harry s on October 13, 2014, 08:18:44 PM
Welcome and congratulations on your find. Looks like a nice one.    Harry
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: Steve Passmore on October 14, 2014, 03:58:21 AM
That certainly is how you like to find them. Well done.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: Smedly on October 14, 2014, 07:21:53 AM
Curtmacd, I am curious of your intentions with this car. Restoration or Preservation or Customization? It looks to be in beautiful condition. If it were mine I would go with Preservation and just spend my time cleaning and polishing and driving.
Just my 2 cents.
Sheldon Hay
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: C.R. Patton II on October 14, 2014, 02:24:57 PM


Hello Curtis

Gratulantur on your acquisition!

I echo the statements of my predecessors and add some data for you to contemplate.
1939 Cadillac 6119 SDN, 126 inches.  Only 3,955 manufactured with just 14 listed in the 2014 Cadillac & LaSalle Club International Membership Directory.

I would like to invite you to join our CLC National organization and a region near your residence to enjoy the camaraderie and experience of our members.  I'm not sure where you are located in Texas, but we have great knowledgeable Cadillac owner's in that part of the country.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 14, 2014, 06:39:30 PM
Thanks guys, I'm located in Celina Texas, just north of the DFW metroplex. For the record, as nice and original as this car is, there is NO WAY I would modify this car. My plans are to get it running and driving. I will need to have the seats reupholstered and headliner, door panels, etc..... But everything is there. I'm more into the preservation with a slight restoration to get her back to driving condition. I will need to have the steering wheel refurbished as well. I bought new tires for it today and plan to move it home at the end of next week. Prepare yourselves for stupid questions!
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: C.R. Patton II on October 15, 2014, 07:41:20 AM
Hello Curtis

We are happy to welcome you as a Cadillac owner.

I would like to recommend that you acquire the 1939-1940 Cadillac Authenticity Manual Class 10.  It is well written by knowledgeable CLC members and it will serve as a guide for your restoration.

Also there is "no such thing as stupid questions".  Only people that  are smart enough to expand their level of knowledge.  Please ask any and all of the questions you desire.   A young fellow like yourself is the future of this club.

We exist to assist.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 15, 2014, 10:08:19 PM
Where is the best place to purchase a headliner kit for my car? Looking for good quality.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: C.R. Patton II on October 16, 2014, 01:42:37 PM


Hello Curtis

Call Kim at SMS Auto Fabrics 503-263-3535 or info@smsautofabrics.com
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 16, 2014, 09:12:38 PM
Thank you for the lead!
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 20, 2014, 06:57:38 PM
Has anyone used Quality Restorations for their steering wheels? I received a quote from Dennis to completely restore my banjo style wheel. The plastic is all but gone.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: C.R. Patton II on October 20, 2014, 07:57:21 PM


Hello Curtis

I have heard favorable statements regarding their work.  Please share the quote price here or pm me.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 20, 2014, 08:07:22 PM
Quote from: C.R. Patton II on October 20, 2014, 07:57:21 PM

Hello Curtis

I have heard favorable statements regarding their work.  Please share the quote price here or pm me.
The quote I received was $900 plus $35 shipping which included a $1300 insurance policy for shipping. In my opinion, the steering wheel is the focal feature in any interior. When I place my butt in the drivers seat, what I see in front of me is extremely important. The steering wheel, length of the hood and hood ornament. If this company does outstanding work, according to the process he follows, this may be a reasonable price. What do you think?
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: C.R. Patton II on October 21, 2014, 08:09:44 AM


Hello Curtis

Thank you sharing.

That is a ballpark price in today's market.  Did you mention your Cadillac & LaSalle Club membership? There should be a discount.  Please share your feelings about the finished product.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 28, 2014, 09:55:27 PM
Up on all fours.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: C.R. Patton II on October 28, 2014, 10:16:44 PM


Curtis

Very nice original prewar Cadillac.  Smart acquisition young man.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 29, 2014, 09:00:57 PM
Part of the mystique and excitement about buying a car that hasn't been running in 25 years, is not knowing the mechanical condition.

Well, after a complete electrical tune up and oil change, I gave her a squirt of fuel today and she fired up!!! I didn't want to run it long until I flush the cooling system and fuel system. I plan to go ahead and rebuild the fuel pump and carb this week. I plan to pick up a new sending unit for the tank and have the tank cleaned and lined.

At least I know it runs, has oil pressure and sounds solid!
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: hudson29 on January 12, 2015, 06:19:24 PM
Curtiss, how is your project coming along? Did you get the fuel system upgraded?

You will find these 1939 Series 61 cars to be some of the best of the prewar cars to drive. Lots of smooth power and great brakes. How is your suspension & shocks?

Vintage Paul
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: chstitans42 on January 12, 2015, 08:38:13 PM
I saw this Caddy on CL a few months back using that picture that was posted above.  I am not positive that it was sold, but sadly I think this one was bought for resale. Hopefully I am wrong and it has been kept by the guy who bought it!
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: hudson29 on January 12, 2015, 09:14:58 PM
I hope it will not wind up as a hot rod. I cringe when I see one these very rare cars butchered and lost forever. I have seen more of the 1939 Coupés like the one I am working on turned into "customs" than restored. Cadillac was still a small high quality maker before the war and the cars are so good as they were made there is just no reason to destroy them. More important, the history is lost and can never be recaptured.

Vintage Paul
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: joeceretti on January 12, 2015, 11:59:02 PM
Maybe he sold it once he realized what he got himself into. I am sure I don't have to tell a lot of you but it is a significant commitment to restore one of these cars properly. What with the unavailability of correct parts and the resellers looking to make a fortune on the parts that are available, it is neigh on impossible for the average man to do one of these right.

I hope this is not the case with this car.

I can't, with words, describe the times I have been utterly discouraged. It would be so much less expensive to "restomod" my car. Not going to happen.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: hudson29 on January 13, 2015, 12:12:46 PM
Yes, I'm sure you are right. So many times these projects are begun with a burst of enthusiasm but stalled when the many difficulties appear. I too am guilty of this and my projects run decades as they sputter along awaiting parts, time & budget.

All too often we see a complete car like the one in this thread taken to bits and then abandoned as a basket case. I hope this excellent example finds a better fate.

Vintage Paul
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: rod_l@lanoequip.com on April 22, 2015, 08:50:09 AM
I have several engine parts, 6 heads , intake manifold,lots of parts for a 1937 if engine needs anything, I got alot of engine parts when I bought my 1937, Lasalle, two v8 engine blocks, extra pistons, extra crankshafts, cams etc.
Title: Re: 1939 Series 61 found in Texas
Post by: curtmacd on October 29, 2017, 12:32:42 PM
Okay folks, getting started on the 39 FINALLY!

Sold all my other projects so I can concentrate on the Caddy! Built a shop, now ready to go :)

I'm installing the new gas tank first, but need some advise on acquiring the correct straps for the tank.

I also need some good quality headliner parts or kit?

Front and back seats are at the upholsterers and the steering wheel is at Steering Wheel Bob's!

(https://s1.postimg.org/3s7bwfoffz/IMG_3925.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)